Every individual coin flip is 50%. The more flips we have, the more towards 50% each it will go. I honestly have no idea why you would use coin flips as an example.

Because in statistics, there is a regression towards the mean. In your Darvish example, the real long term numbers are not likely to be those lopsided ones of their statistically insignificant 18 encounters, but more towards the righty vs lefty and vice verse historical statistically significant numbers.

In terms of coin flips, yes. But it's ridiculous to think that 18 plate appearances is statistically insignificant, especially when coming up with 2-16. Don't take my word for it - the guy was benched yesterday. Results of individual matchups are no doubt affected by lefty-righty alignments, such as Michael Brantley's abysmal 1-13 against Sabathia, but nothing can compare to individual stats, provided there's a few games worth of at-bats to go off of. He'll probably be used to pinch hit tomorrow as well.

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"If it came down to both teams were even, talent-wise, I think the opponent's team would win if it came down to coaching. Andy Reid got out-coached in a lot of games, man, a lot of big games."